Postdoctoral Associate

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 270741

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: May 29, 2026

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

Postdoctoral Associate in Structural Biology & Biophysics Lee Lab | Duke University School of Medicine

A NIH-funded postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Seok-Yong Lee at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking a highly motivated and independent scientist to investigate the molecular mechanisms of membrane transport proteins and ion channels essential to human health.

The successful candidate will lead projects focused on cryo-EM structure determination and the biochemical/biophysical characterization of complex membrane transport systems.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Technical Expertise: Experience in membrane protein biochemistry and cryo-EM.
Biophysical Skills: Proficiency in biophysical techniques such as CD, ITC, NMR, EPR, or fluorescence spectroscopy and quantitative analysis.
Attributes: A strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and a desire to master new technologies in a highly collaborative setting.

This position is:

Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

Key Responsibilities:

Structural Studies: Executing the full cryo-EM workflow, including sample preparation/freezing, data collection, processing, and atomic model building.
Biochemical/Biophysical Characterization: Managing protein engineering (cloning, expression, and purification) and conducting functional assays to validate structural findings.
Cellular & In Vivo Integration: Utilizing light microscopy for in situ protein characterization and performing necessary animal handling for physiological relevance.
Collaboration: Working within a multidisciplinary team to integrate structural data with electrophysiology and computational modeling.

Choose Duke.

Research Environment

Candidates will join a vibrant, well-funded research group with a track record of high-impact publications. The lab provides access to state-of-the-art facilities at Duke, including world-class cryo-EM suites and advanced imaging instrumentation.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

Curriculum Vitae (including a full list of publications).
Cover Letter briefly describing your research background and interest in the position

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.